Best Campgrounds near Inlet, NY
The Adirondack region surrounding Inlet, New York features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas within the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Limekiln Lake Campground, located directly in Inlet, provides lakeside sites with tent and RV accommodations, while Eighth Lake Campground spans the area between Seventh and Eighth Lakes with hiking trails connecting to nearby Bug Lake. Golden Beach Campground on Raquette Lake offers cabin options alongside traditional camping. For those seeking more remote experiences, Moose River Plains provides primitive dispersed camping with 60 roadside sites accessible via a 23-mile access road, offering a true wilderness experience without developed amenities.
Camping in the Inlet area typically operates from mid-May through early October, with most state campgrounds closing after Labor Day or by mid-October. Reservations are strongly recommended for established campgrounds, especially for waterfront sites during summer weekends and holidays. The region experiences significant black fly and mosquito activity in late May through June, while July and August offer more comfortable conditions. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage in the town of Inlet but limited or no service in more remote camping areas like Moose River Plains. A camper noted: "Make sure you're prepared for dispersement camping as this location does not provide amenities other than Mother Nature itself."
Waterfront campsites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, with many campgrounds offering direct lake access for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Campers particularly value sites that allow them to launch kayaks or canoes directly from their campsite. The lakes in the region feature sandy beaches and swimming areas, with Eighth Lake Campground providing a designated beach area. Wildlife sightings, including deer and occasionally bears, are reported throughout the area, requiring proper food storage. As one reviewer mentioned about Limekiln Lake: "Wild life here is amazing! Keep in mind Black Bears are present and seen on the campground during our stay." The proximity to the small town of Inlet (typically a 10-minute drive from most campgrounds) provides convenient access to groceries, restaurants, and outdoor supplies while maintaining a wilderness camping experience.
